2491) As an evangelical Christian, raised in the South, grace was not spoken of much. I don’t know if it was because there’s an unspoken fear that if we live under grace, we’ll run out and do any wicked thing we want, knowing we’ll be forgiven. Maybe.

But grace isn’t as simple as: do what you want, ask for forgiveness, and it’s granted. Or is it?

Romans 8:1 tells us plainly that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Reading this brings two things to mind about grace. Saving grace is not free and is not received by everyone.

Grace isn’t free; it’s possible because Jesus paid the punishment we deserve by giving his life on the cross. When we understand how much grace cost him, its value grows sky-high and more. When you value something, you’re much more careful with it.

Saving grace isn’t received by everyone. Only those of us who have given our hearts to God, asking for forgiveness of all our sins, made possible by Jesus, will receive grace. Paul said in Romans 8:1, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Weighing these two things grace requires motivates me to live knowing grace is expensive and yet, given freely to God’s children.

Grace is complicated.